MILLBROOK — After not having regular meetings since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the first in-person, indoor meeting of the Millbrook Historical Society (MHS) gathered at the Millbrook Library on Thursday, Nov. 18, for a lively discussion of Mary Flagler Cary.
More than 50 people gathered to hear a talk entitled, “The Artist of the Canoo Hill,” by Brad Roeller. He spoke of his experiences working at the Cary Arboretum, which started in 1972. He ended up working there for the next 37 years.
During his time there, Roeller met many acquaintances and employees of Mary Flagler Cary, granddaughter of Henry Flagler.
Flagler, an American industrialist, a founder of Standard Oil and founder of the Florida East Coast Railway, was born right in Hopewell in 1830.
Roeller is a renowned horticulturist, author and Innisfree Garden trustee who has also lent his expertise to such celebrated gardens as the Botanical Gardens and the Altamont Estate.
Flagler, who fell in love with Florida and eventually moved there, spent the majority of his time there until his death in 1910. He left behind a vast estate.
Among the many relatives he left behind was a granddaughter, Mary, who has ties Millbrook.
She married Melbert B. Cary, a graphic artist and founder of the Wooly Whale, a private press that published very specific titles. He also had an amazing collection of books that were donated to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) after his death.
The Carys had a country estate in Millbrook, which began with one farm and grew from there to the vast acreage we know today as the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
The Carys enjoyed their country estate in Millbrook and Mrs. Cary, a well known philanthropist, devoted much of her time to managing the property of close to 2,000 acres after her husband’s death in 1941. A quiet and reserved woman, she had a special fondness for the Maple trees on the property.
She was an avid photographer and the property provided her with a wealth of subject matter for taking photos, mostly in black and white, and surprisingly, many Polaroid pictures.
Her love for her property, its trees and the wildlife it supported encouraged her to set up a charitable trust. She bequeathed her estate to an organization involved in conservation and preservation of natural resources and the maintenance of such properties.
Mary Flagler Cary died in 1967 and in 1971 her trustees asked the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) to oversee her property, at that time called the Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum.
In 1983 Gene Likens, who was affiliated with the NYBG, founded the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook as part of the New York Botanical Garden. In 1993 it became an independent nonprofit center for ecological research with Likens as director and president.
Roeller, during his years at the Cary Institute, became acquainted with several local people who knew or worked for the Cary family. He was shown many photographs of the early years at their estate. He was even shown some photos taken by Mrs. Cary.
Even now, more than 50 years after her death, many of the trees standing in the forests of the Cary Institute are among those planted during her day.
There are also many photographs that were taken by her — of the property, of the trees — a history in photos of early conservation efforts.
Today, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44), which once belonged to the Carys, remains an important part of Millbrook’s history and of its future.
Cary researchers and scientists study the environment, issues of climate change, infectious disease, freshwater and forest health and urban ecology, as its website (www.caryinstitute.org) describes.
Locals and tourists alike are welcome to visit the vast hiking trails, study the ferns that grow along the ponds and streams and watch the many animals in their natural habitat.
It’s safe to say that the spirit of Mary Flagler Cary and her philanthropic ways are alive and well in Millbrook.
For more information and future meetings of the MHS, go to www.millbrookhistoricalsociety.org.
Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.
AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.
“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.
“Megan’s job is not an easy one,” Blackman said, honoring Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent who has served the town for 20 years.
Also among those honored was Town Clerk Dawn Marie Klingner for 20 years of service as Court Clerk.
Maureen Moore, Court Clerk, was also honored in absentia for her 20 years of town service.
Village of Millerton Police Recruit Hannah Dworkin, left, is officially sworn in by Town Clerk Lisa Cope.
MILLERTON — For Hannah Dworkin, 25, of East Fishkill, joining the police force was more than a career choice. It was a family tradition.
Raised among military veterans and law enforcement officers, Dworkin is the daughter of Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin and has two brothers who also serve as police officers. Even her maternal grandfather served behind the badge.
“I’m proud to join the family business,” Dworkin said at her swearing-in ceremony on Monday, June 23, at the Village of Millerton Police Department. “I am fortunate to have a family full of strong role models. They taught me the importance of loyalty, family values and taking pride in your work.”
Dworkin’s commitment to hard work is evident. After high school, Dworkin took a job at Stewart’s, where she spent seven years rising through the ranks to become a supervisor. During that time, she also studied criminal justice at Dutchess Community College, earning college credits and strengthening her interest in a law enforcement career.
“I’ve always known I wanted to work in law enforcement,” she said. “As a kid, I was fascinated by forensics, but lately I’ve become more interested in the community side of the job.”
Hannah added that she is interested in criminal behavior and the psychology behind it. She added, “I think it’s fascinating to understand how people think and learn what drives them to make certain choices … not just criminally, but in life in general. It’s interesting how the way someone was raised can shape how they live their life.”
Hannah said she is especially excited about what lies ahead in Millerton. “Chief Olenik has a lot of great ideas and knows exactly where he wants to take the department. I think that’s really important,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the community and the people I’ll serve.”
Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shared her enthusiasm. “We’re so looking forward to having her here,” he said. “She’s going to be fantastic with community relations.”
Dworkin will fill the position vacated by Officer Julia Phillips, who recently resigned to spend more time with her family. “She was a great officer,” said Chief Olenik at a recent Village Board meeting, where Dworkin’s candidacy was introduced and approved unanimously.
Hannah’s parents looked on proudly at the swearing-in ceremony. Her mother, Mary Dworkin, grew emotional. “Hannah has looked up to her brothers and her dad for so long, and it’s nice to see things come full circle,” she said. “This is something she’s really wanted, and we’re thrilled she’s following in her family’s footsteps.”
Her father agreed. “This is something she’s worked hard for,” said Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin. “To see her achieve that goal — it’s fantastic. We’re very proud.”
In August, Dworkin will begin a five-month training and certificate program at SUNY Ulster in Kingston, which includes all state-required police academy components, such as physical training and academic coursework. Chief Olenik says she will begin working with the Millerton department upon completing the program.
In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.
AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.
A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.
As with the first historic market installation at the Old Amenia Burying Ground, held in April, Amenia Union Cemetery graves of Revolutionary War veterans had been marked with American flags in advance.
Jim Middlebrook, representing the Columbia Mid-Hudson chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, attended along with other members of his chapter. Speaking before the unveiling, Middlebrook said that the historic marker project had begun in August 2024, and included a detailed process to certify the names on the graves.
Middlebrook described the work of the William C. Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse whose mission is to promote “pride of place” by providing grants in support of installing historic markers and plaques nationwide to honor patriots for their service. Active now in seven or eight states, Middlebrook said, the foundation will soon add Connecticut and Massachusetts to the list.
The new Amenia Union marker honors “at least five veterans of the American Revolution interred between 1787 and 1810,” although Town Historian Betsy Strauss lists six veterans buried in the cemetery. The sixth, Gerhard Winegar, whose burial had been in 1781 could not fully satisfy the certification standards.
Strauss provided the following listing of six names:
Col. Colbe Chamberlain, 1739-1796
Capt. William Chamberlain, 1745-1810
Lieut. Samuel Snyder, 1712-1808
Gerhard Winegar, 1750-1781
Ensign Henry Winegar, 1723-1787
Capt. William Young, 1747-1806
Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.
MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.
Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.
“The Millerton Street Fair will celebrate everything we love about this community — its spirit, its dedication to service and its creative energy,” said James Clark, publisher and CEO of The Millerton News.
Local nonprofits will showcase their work and impact, including Climate Smart Millerton, Eddie Collins Memorial Park, North East Historical Society, Townscape, Tri-Corner FEED, Village of Millerton, and the Webutuck Elementary School.Participating businesses include Bes, Little Red Bird Studio, NBT, The Elephant’s Tusk, and many more.Local retail and dining establishments will be open with special promotions. NECC’s Farmer’s Market will run during the event.
Among the planned festivities are live music from John Stey and the Resilience Brass Band, performances from Bee Bee the Clown, face painting by students from Webutuck High School, and a community-wide scavenger hunt for kids.Other kids’ activities include egg and spoon races, and a “touch-a-truck” open house at the firehouse.The Irondale Schoolhouse will be hosting a special exhibit, and the North East-Millerton Library will be offering signups for the Summer Reading Program, a science show from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., lawn games, and a cookie cook-off.
For more information, go to millertonnews.com/street-fair.
